Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Management
People in the Sports industry are generally outgoing, good at motivating others, and like a variety of leisure activities. Good health behaviors and practices continue to be increasingly important in today’s society due to stress, poor diets, lack of exercise, and the overall lifestyle to which many people in our culture have grown accustomed. The Sports field encourages participation in physical activity by engaging people to commit to sports, exercise, and various games. The rising interest in personal training, aerobics instruction, and coaching has created opportunities for fitness trainers, aerobics instructors, and coaches of all sports at all levels.
Those employed in the Sports industry provide clients and athletes with support, motivation, and an appreciation for their own health and happiness. Those wishing to pursue a career in this field should have strong communication skills, enjoy being physically active and organized, and work well with others. Leadership and motivational skills also contribute to success in this field.
MCC’s Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Sports Management program
Marshalltown Community College offers a two-year, 64-credit Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree designed to meet the requirements of colleges and universities to which students may wish to transfer for completion of a bachelor’s degree. In many instances, transfer colleges accept these credits as equivalent to their own general education requirements. The AA degree transfers to Iowa’s Regent universities as well as the majority of private colleges and universities in the Midwest and beyond. The link under Degrees Awarded (below) specifies the program course requirements and electives.
Because the requirements for an AA degree change periodically, students should check with their academic advisor or the MCC Admissions Office to confirm that they have the most current information. Students are responsible for knowing the requirements for the degree they hope to obtain and for planning their schedule accordingly.
Admissions Partnership Program with Iowa State, UNI and Iowa
MCC participates in the Admissions Partnership Program with Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa to enable MCC students to transfer credits seamlessly to any of the Iowa Regent universities. Participants are dual-enrolled at MCC and the university with access to academic advising and student services at both institutions. The universities guarantee admission into the desired degree program, provided all requirements are met. Ask the MCC Admissions Office for more information!
Careers & Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities within the sports industry are expected to grow 10 percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase by about 79,600, and a significant portion of that growth will occur in the more than 24,000 athletic departments at high schools and colleges, both public and private. Employing nearly 245,000 coaches and administrators, as a business segment interscholastic athletics contributes more than $15 billion to the sports industry in the United States. The increasing popularity of sports and personal wellness will also contribute to job growth for sports-related occupations.
The median annual wage for sports occupations was $42,010 in 2017, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,690.
Follow these links to find additional up-to-date information on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook web pages:
- Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Athletic Trainers (learn more about MCC’s Athletic Training program)
- Coaches and Scouts
- Fitness Trainers and Instructors
- Physical Education Teachers
- Recreation Workers
- Umpires, Referees and Other Sports Officials
Employment opportunities are found in education, recreational facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities, senior centers, amusement parks, and athletic clubs, as well as temporary positions in summer camps and after school programs.
